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Natari (73 KP) rated Claimed By Shadow (Cassandra Palmer, #2) in Books

Jul 19, 2019

Claimed by Shadow is a hard hitting, beautiful work of art in a novel. It continues the crazy life of Cassie Palmer, throwing the poor young lady into even more danger - be it for her life or for love.

The relationships that were started in the first book are explored in depth. Not just with love interests, but deeper understanding of Cassie's role and her interaction with those around her. Still mostly alone, her perseverence and devil-may-care-but-let's-not-be-too-hasty-because-living-is-a-nice-idea attitude really warms you to Cassie. If you weren't already won over by her speak-before-you-think and vulnerable-but-determined-to-get-through charm.

Again, we see her misadventues start with Cassie just going straight in through the front door, choosing to hide in plain sight. She is not a silly girl. And while she may let sexy casino manager Casanova take advantage of her - as in free labour - she'll be damned in anybody else gets the chance.

In book 2, Cassie finds out that she is under a powerful love spell that, if completed, will put her under thrall of the ever enigmatic but you son-of-a-b!tch master vampire Mircea. For someone who servitude is a fate worse than death, Cassie is none too pleased, even if the idea of loving and being loved by Mircea has a certain pleasant ring to it...

And in true Cassie style, which isn't her fault but a product of her natural 'luck', she ends up complicating the spell further and oh yeah has to track down a homicidal maniac who is trying to kill her.

Karen's writing is fun and non-stop action. It's an exhilerating ride, with fascinating detail of history and forethought for the plot. Where you read something in book one, expect to have those 'Oh yeah' moments as they are aplenty. Without leaving many plot holes or confusing matters, Karen has weaved a complex tale that speaks with each other back and forth spanning all books. We've only just begun the fun.

Kudos

Leigh J (71 KP) rated Dancer in the Dark (2000) in Movies

Nov 17, 2019 (Updated Nov 17, 2019)

Dancer in the Dark (2000)

2000 | Drama, Musical

8.8

(6 Ratings)

Movie Rating

I cried... and cried... and cried

Contains spoilers, click to show

Selma (played by Björk) is an immigrant living and working a Factory job in America to support her son, who also lives with her. She suffers from a degenerative Eye disease that leads of complete blindness and has found out that this condition is hereditary and her son will go blind also if he doesn't get Surgery soon. Determined to save the money for the operation so her Son won't go blind, Selma cheats eye tests and makes out that she's less blind than she really is so that she can continue work. One night, she and her Landlord whom she considers to be a trusted friend, are having a conversation, when he suddenly breaks down and confides in Selma that he is completely broke and cannot tell his Wife, who is used to a life of luxury. Feeling empathy for her friend; Selma reveals to him that she is going blind and that she is saving money for her son to have the operation to save his own sight. Disgustingly, the "friend" steals her money and gives Selma no other option but to kill him, but promise to keep what he told her secret. Selma, in her sweet naivety and generally being a good person, keeps his secret... even when she is arrested and faced with a life or death situation. Will Selma reveal the secret and save herself? Will her son be able to get the operation he needs? Or will Selma's determination not to break the trust of another mean sacrificing everything?

I'll start by saying I'm not a fan of Musicals at all. With the exception of Rocky Horror Picture Show and Grease; they make me cringe in embarrassment. The only reason I gave this a go is because a) I'm a HUGE Lars Von Trier fan and b) Björk!! However,this is a musical that made me cry like a baby almost all the way through. It's incredibly tragic (even the songs) and is sad enough to reduce even the most hardened Movie-goer to a puddle of teary mess. It's such a beautiful Movie that I recommend you watch it without hesitation however... have plenty of Tissues ready. There will be tears.